Letters to the editor

Historically significant buildings are an important issue in the letters for issue of Feb. 28.

‘Historically significant’ buildings should be showcased To the editor:

Kudos to the Massachusetts Historical Commission on its recent ruling that the buildings that house Casa De Lucca and The Sports Connection are historically significant. While not permanently protecting the buildings from demolition, it forces the hand of the MBTA to look for alternative sites for it’s proposed parking garage. Mayor Scanlon’s opinion is that “there aren’t a whole lot of choices” as the garage needs to be located near the station (as reported 2/14 by The Salem News). Being located near the station is a no-brainer. I do, however, feel that many other location choices exist, and should be explored.

Visit the Beverly Depot and look around you. The area’s character is best defined by the post office, Odell Park, the Depot Restaurant, and those two aforementioned buildings. The rest of the surrounding area is boxy, nondescript buildings of concrete or brick in a sea of asphalt. Those buildings house an assortment of businesses, few of which are currently dependent on proximity to the railway. Long ago, when commodities were transported via rail, it made great sense for these industrial businesses to surround the Beverly Depot on Park Street and River Street. (hence the industrial zoning). These businesses’ geographic location near the railway is no longer valid as today’s rail commodities are people; primarily commuters. It makes better sense to replace a selection of these structures with a parking garage than removing two historically interesting buildings. Matt Pujo (in Feb. 20 letter to the editor, Salem News) wisely suggested relocating such businesses that no longer depend on the railway; a suggestion that merits attention.

The city speaks a lot of its master plan. One of its main directives is revitalizing downtown with delightful pedestrian thoroughfares, increased housing targeted at Boston commuters, attractive shops and thriving restaurants all showcasing our city’s heritage and waterfront location. How is this achieved by demolishing two existing buildings that already include restaurants with housing above and replacing them with a stagnant parking garage? It would send a message to visitors that our city residents are more interested in leaving Beverly, as well as an unwelcoming first visual impression. If Beverly is sincere in its desire to sell itself as a destination city (such as Newburyport), it needs to remain cognizant of it’s “curb appeal.” Those historic buildings should be showcased, not demolished.

If no area businesses are willing to sell property to the MBTA, and the land is going to be taken by eminent domain, why wouldn’t their first choice be the Depot Restaurant property? The location and parking options can’t be beat. Or consider adding a station stop at the Cummings Center? Many Beverly-bound commuters are already walking the half-mile between the current station and the Cummings Center. And, the parking potential is terrific there.

A new parking garage near the Beverly Depot is certainly justified. Removing two historic structures in order to build it, is not; in fact, it violates the city’s own plans. There are many other location options, equally convenient to the station that would be less impacted by replacement with a parking garage. I applaud the MHC for pressing MBTA and the city to revisit its choice for siting a parking garage. Alternatives abound.

Suzie LaMontPorter StreetBeverly

P.S. In the meantime, if the city is truly interested in capitalizing on rail commuters, a potential revenue exists. The city has premium real estate that goes unpaid for, day after day. Many public, legal, all-day free parking spaces line the streets within easy walking distance to the depot. Consider sticking a meter on them, or some other payment plan. It wouldn’t be long before the implementation costs would pay for themselves.

Thanks for most successful SeniorCare fundraiserTo the editor:

SeniorCare Inc. Nutrition Program Director, Linnea Hagberg, announced that the 34th annual Meals on Wheels Valentine Breakfast Fundraiser was the most successful to date, raising $1,000 more than last year’s event.

SeniorCare is especially grateful to Mr. Lenny Linquata and the staff at The Gloucester House for sponsoring and hosting the event again this year. SeniorCare is also grateful to The Gloucester House vendors for providing the wonderful food, coffee, and the equipment with which it was served so nicely.

Thanks are also due The Electric Insurance Company, which donated two gift certificates, and Summit Builders, which provided a gift basket that were raffled during the festivities. The lucky raffle winners were: Marilyn Beard, Joan Rocha, and Irene Zager.

This event could not have taken place but for the dedication and hard work of SeniorCare’s board of directors, advisory council, and the staff and volunteers who give countless hours of their time planning and publicizing the event, buying and selling tickets, and setting up and serving patrons at the breakfast. This year’s breakfast was especially poignant for members of the SeniorCare community, as it was dedicated to Myra L. Herrick, former president and member of the board of directors, who passed away last year, but who is remembered as a driving force behind many of the agency’s events, including this one, and as an inspiration to all.

But, perhaps most of all, the success of this event is due to the many loyal patrons who come, year after year, to enjoy the great food, camaraderie, and fun atmosphere of an event that has come to be a Valentine tradition.

Proceeds derived from this event are used to provide meals to elders in the nine communities that SeniorCare serves including Beverly. Everyone at SeniorCare is hopeful that all our friends and supporters will be well, and able to come and celebrate the 35th year of this wonderful event next year.